Mobile device path and user association

ABSTRACT

Methods, computer program products, and systems are presented. The method computer program products, and systems can include, for instance: recording position data for a mobile device over time, the position data being associated to an identifier of the mobile device; outputting to a user an identification code associated to the identifier; receiving input data from a user, the input data including the identification code and user identifying information from a user; responsively to the receiving the input data from a user associating the identification code and the user identifying information; based on the associating processing the position data and user profile data associated to the user identifying information; sending a message to the user based on a result of the processing.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to mobile device in general andspecifically to mobile device path data analytics.

BACKGROUND

Mobile device positioning systems have been proposed which employ use ofIEEE 802.11 (“Wi-Fi”) radio transceivers. Wi-Fi positioning systems(WPS) have been proposed where the Global Positioning System (GPS) areinadequate due to various causes including multipath and signal blockageindoors. Wi-Fi positioning takes advantage of the availability ofwireless access points.

Proposed positioning techniques employing wireless access points haveincluded techniques based on measuring the intensity of the receivedsignal (received signal strength indication or RSSI). Typical parametersuseful to geolocate the Wi-Fi hotspot or wireless access point includean access point's SSID and MAC address. Accuracy can depend on thenumber of positions that have been collected. A Wi-Fi hotspot databasecan include data correlating mobile device GPS location data with Wi-Fihotspot MAC addresses.

Positioning techniques using one way communication short range radiosignal beacons have been proposed. According to one technique a shortrange radio signal beacon can be disposed at a predetermined location.Receipt of the short range radio signal by a mobile device indicatesthat the mobile device is proximate the predetermined location.

SUMMARY

The shortcomings of the prior art are overcome, and additionaladvantages are provided, through the provision, in one aspect, of amethod. The method can include, for example: recording position data fora mobile device over time, the position data being associated to anidentifier of the mobile device; outputting an identification codeassociated to the identifier; receiving input data from a user, theinput data including the identification code and user identifyinginformation from a user; responsively to the receiving the input datafrom a user associating the identification code and the user identifyinginformation; based on the associating processing the position data anduser profile data associated to the user identifying information;sending a message to the user based on a result of the processing.

In another aspect, a computer program product can be provided. Thecomputer program product can include a computer readable storage mediumreadable by one or more processing unit and storing instructions forexecution by one or more processor for performing a method. The methodcan include for example, recording position data for a mobile deviceover time, the position data being associated to an identifier of themobile device; outputting an identification code associated to theidentifier; receiving input data from a user, the input data includingthe identification code and user identifying information from a user;responsively to the receiving the input data from a user associating theidentification code and the user identifying information; based on theassociating processing the position data and user profile dataassociated to the user identifying information; sending a message to theuser based on a result of the processing.

In a further aspect, a system can be provided. The system can include,for example a memory. In addition, the system can include one or moreprocessor in communication with the memory. Further, the system caninclude program instructions executable by the one or more processor viathe memory to perform a method. The method can include for example,recording position data for a mobile device over time, the position databeing associated to an identifier of the mobile device; outputting anidentification code associated to the identifier; receiving input datafrom a user, the input data including the identification code and useridentifying information from a user; responsively to the receiving theinput data from a user associating the identification code and the useridentifying information; based on the associating processing theposition data and user profile data associated to the user identifyinginformation; sending a message to the user based on a result of theprocessing.

Additional features are realized through the techniques set forthherein. Other embodiments and aspects, including but not limited tocomputer program product and system, are described in detail herein andare considered a part of the claimed invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more aspects of the present invention are particularly pointedout and distinctly claimed as examples in the claims at the conclusionof the specification. The foregoing and other objects, features, andadvantages of the invention are apparent from the following detaileddescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 depicts a system having a mobile device and an establishmentsystem in one embodiment;

FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart depicting operation of an establishmentsystem in one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart depicting an operation of a system in oneembodiment;

FIG. 4 is an example of a purchase receipt having an identification codein one embodiment;

FIG. 5 is an example of an online survey form in one embodiment;

FIG. 6 is an example of an output user interface for display havingvisualization features that can be can be output by an establishmentsystem in one embodiment;

FIG. 7 depicts a computing node in one embodiment;

FIG. 8 depicts a cloud computing environment in one embodiment; and

FIG. 9 depicts abstraction model layers in one embodiment;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An overview of a system 100 is shown in FIG. 1. System 100 can includeone or more mobile device 102 and establishment system 106 having anassociated data repository 108. System 100 can also include a pluralityof connection nodes such as connection node 110 and connection node 112.In one embodiment, connection node 110 and connection node 112 can beconfigured in accordance with a wireless local area network (LAN)communication protocol. System 100 can also include cash register 116which like connection node 110 and connection node 112 can be incommunication with establishment system 106. In one embodiment,establishment system 106 can be configured to record position data formobile device 102 over time based on signals received from connectionnode 110 and connection node 112.

Border 120 indicates a region of an establishment such as a retail storeor an entertainment center. Establishment system 106 can be locatedexternal to a region indicated by border 120 internal to a region orpartially internal to a region indicated by border 120 and partiallyexternal from (e.g. remote from) a region indicated by border 120. Inone embodiment, a common organizational entity, e.g. a retailer, anevent center operator can provide establishment system 106, theestablishment having a region delimited by border 120, connection node110, connection node 112, cash register 116, within a region indicatedby border 120. Establishment system 106 can be a computing node basedsystem operated by an organizational entity e.g. a retailer, an eventcenter operator.

In one embodiment, each of one or more mobile device 102, establishmentsystem 106, connection node 110, connection node 112, and cash register116 can include one or more computing node 10 as set forth herein inconnection with FIG. 7.

A method 200 that can be performed by establishment system 106 in oneembodiment is illustrated with reference to FIG. 2. At block 210 method200 can include recording position data for a mobile device over time,the position data being associated to an identifier of the mobiledevice. Method 200 can include at block 220 outputting an identificationcode associated to the identifier. Method 200 can include at block 230receiving input data from a user, the input data including theidentification code and user identifying information from a user. Atblock 240 method 200 can include responsively to the receiving the inputdata from a user associating the identification code and the useridentifying information. Method can include at block 250 based on theassociating processing the position data and user profile dataassociated to the user identifying information. At block 260 method 200can include sending a message to the user based on a result of theprocessing.

A flowchart illustrating operation of system 100 in one embodimentincluding operation of a mobile device 102 externally to and within anestablishment (e.g. such as a retail store or entertainment center) isshown in FIG. 3, wherein exemplary functions are described with respectto mobile device 102, connection node 110, connection node 112, cashregister 116 and establishment system 106.

At block 1061 establishment system 106 can be configured to beoperational in accordance with functionalities described herein. Forconfiguration of establishment system 106 establishment system 106 canbe configured to process signals received by connection nodes 110 and112 from mobile devices such as mobile device 102 and based on suchprocessing can determine a coordinate position of mobile device 102. Inone embodiment connection nodes 110 and 112 can be configured as IEEE802.11 access points. Processing performed by establishment system 106can include geolocating processing including e.g. one or more ofreceived signal strength (RSSI) based processing, fingerprint basedprocessing, angle of arrival processing, triangulation based processing,and time of flight based processing. In one embodiment establishmentsystem 106 can record position data for mobile device 102 over time,i.e. position data that represents the traveled path over time (pathdata) of mobile device 102 through an establishment having a regionindicated by border 120. In one embodiment, establishment system 106 canincorporate location services available from a location services systemsintegrator. According to one example locating services can be providedby GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY SERVICES® of International Business MachinesCorporation based on the IBM PRESENCE INSIGHTS™ locating servicesplatform.

Blocks 1020-1023, 1100, 1120, 1160, and 1061-1069 refer to exemplaryinteractions of mobile device 102 with connection nodes 110, 112 andestablishment system 106 when mobile device 102 is deployed in use.

At blocks 1020-1021 mobile device 102 can be carried about anestablishment by a user and while being carried mobile device sendsignals to connection node 110, 112 can be provided e.g. by IEEE 802.11,access points which signals can be received and forwarded for receptionto establishment system 106. At block 1063 establishment system 106 canperform geolocating processing of received signals received from mobiledevice 102 by connection nodes 110 and 112 and based on such processingcan determine position data for mobile device 102 at a current time.Processing of signals at block 1063 can include one or more of receivedsignal strength (RSSI) based processing, fingerprint based processing,angle of arrival processing, triangulation based processing, and time offlight based processing. At block 1064 establishment system 106 canrecord a position of mobile device 102 over time. On receiving signalsfrom mobile device 102 establishment system 106 can associate receivedsignals with an identifier for the mobile device 102, e.g. a MediumAccess Control (MAC) address of mobile device 102. Accordingly forposition data including recorded path data establishment system 106 canrecord an associated MAC address associated to the position data.Recording of position data at block 1064 can include recording ofposition data into data repository 108.

At block 1065 a user can be checking out i.e. at a cash register (e.g.cashier attended or self-checkout station) of establishment having theregion defined by border. During checkout establishment system 106 atblock 1065 can receive an indication of payment by the user, e.g. byentry of cash into a register resolved manually or by the cash register,or by bank settlement in the case of payment by a credit card or debitcard.

In response to receipt of an indication of payment, establishment system106 at block 1066 can output a message having an identification codeassociated to an identifier for mobile device 102, e.g. a MAC addressfor mobile device 102. In one embodiment, establishment system 106 canassign a universally unique identifier (UUID) or “short code,” e.g. analphanumeric string of N (e.g. N=6) characters long to each new MACaddress identified by establishment system 106 for which position datais recorded in data repository 108. In one embodiment, establishmentsystem 106 can assign sequential serial numbers to each new MAC addressidentified by establishment system 106 for which position data isrecorded. At block 1066 in one embodiment, establishment system 106 canoutput such a serial number. At block 1066 in one embodiment,establishment system 106 can output a MAC address or a code derivablefrom a MAC address. For output of an identification code establishmentsystem 106 at block 1066 can send an identification code to cashregister 116. For output of an identification code at block 1066,establishment system 106 can trigger the printing of a token providede.g. by a printed purchase receipt having the identification codeprinted thereon.

In one embodiment, presentment by a user during payment of a customerloyalty card or payment card can be used for augmentation of useridentification and/or data association processes.

In one embodiment, however, outputting of an identification code atblock 1066 by establishment system 106 can be performed duringperformance of a cash transaction and/or without presentment of any useridentification by a user. In one embodiment cash register 116 can be ata predetermined location recorded in establishment system 106, e.g. inrepository 108 and at block 1066 establishment system 106 can bemonitoring recently recorded timestamped data entries of establishmentsystem 106 e.g. of repository 108 to determine if there is any mobiledevice 102 currently at the location of cash register 116 (e.g. within athreshold distance). Establishment system 106 can be operative in oneembodiment so that outputting of an identification code at block 1066 isresponsive to such monitoring wherein mobile devices at a location ofcheckout are monitored for. If there is a mobile device 102 at thecoordinate location of cash register 116 establishment system 106 canuse the identifier (e.g. recorded MAC address) for that mobile device102 that is currently at the location of the cash register 116 fordetermining the identification code for outputting at block 1066. Theidentified code will serve as an index to all path data of mobile device102. An outputting an identification code at block 1066 can includeoutputting of a message with an identification code which message in oneembodiment can trigger a certain response by cash register 116, e.g. theproviding of a token for handling and future presentment by a user.

In one embodiment, a location of a checkout (e.g. as may be provided bylocation of a cash register) can be fixed and predetermined (e.g. a cashregister at a fixed location) and in another embodiment, a checkoutlocation can be position varying, i.e. a mobile checkout. System 100 canbe configured so that establishment system 106 can provide a toolallowing an administrator user to select a location of a mobilecheckout. Referring to FIG. 6 an a output user interface for use by anadministrator user of establishment system 106 (e.g. who may be a foodserver) can include a tool 6850 that allows the administrator user toselect a particular restaurant (e.g. coffee stand restaurant as shown)table, e.g. table 1, 2, or 3, corresponding to buttons 6851, 6852, or6853 (FIG. 6). Based on the selection of a location of a mobilecheckout, establishment system 106 at block 1066 can be monitoring newlyrecorded timestamped data entries of establishment system 106 e.g. ofrepository 108 to determine if there is any mobile device 102 currentlyat the selected location selected by an administer user. Thus, at block1066 establishment system 106 can monitor newly received position datato determine mobile devices currently at a restaurant table.

In one embodiment, output of an identification code at block 1066 canresponsive to resolving, e.g. by processing recorded data ofestablishment system 106 which of first, second, or Nth mobile devicesthe mobile device identification code should be output for. In oneembodiment, system 100 can be operative so that purchase information ofa current transaction being performed at a checkout location may berecorded into data repository 108. Information on a current transactioncan include e.g. identification of goods being purchased.

For example in one embodiment establishment system e.g. at block 1065can be monitoring recently recorded position data recorded intorepository 108 and can determine based on such monitoring that first andsecond mobile devices having respective first and second MAC addressesare currently at checkout location e.g. a location of cash register 116and can further determine that each of these mobile devices having MACaddresses is associated to a particular user, e.g. by performingassociating an identification code of a mobile device and useridentifying information as set forth herein. In one embodimentestablishment system 106 under such scenario can resolve which of thefirst mobile device or second mobile device a mobile deviceidentification code should be output for at block 1066 using thetransaction data for the current transaction stored in data repository108. For example if based on a matching criteria establishment system106 determines that there is a match between goods being purchasedduring a current transaction and data of a user profile for a userassociated to the first mobile device, but not a match between goodsbeing purchased during a current transaction and data of a user profilefor a user associated to the second mobile device establishment system106 can output at block 1066 the identification code for the firstmobile device (e.g. according to one scenario the goods can golf clubsand user profile data of repository 108 indicates that the userassociated to the first mobile device indicates golf as an interest). Inone embodiment establishment system 106 can perform outputting at block1066 responsively to resolving which of first to Nth mobile devicesdetermined to be at a checkout location a mobile device identificationcode should be output for.

At block 1160 cash register 116 for receiving an identification code canreceive a message having the output identification code and at block1160 can operate responsively to the message, e.g., by printing a tokene.g. in the form of a purchase receipt with the identification codeprinted thereon. Such printed receipt serving as a token may includetext indicating that the user can use the identification code to derivesome benefit. An example of a printed purchase receipt 1602 is shown inFIG. 4. Purchase receipt 1602 can include output identification code1606. In one embodiment, a user may be prompted by text e.g. text 1608of the token e.g. purchase receipt 1602 to log onto an establishmentwebsite associated with the organizational entity that operatesestablishment system 106 and in one embodiment hosted by establishmentsystem 106 and to input the identification code into a webpage field ofthe website. In one embodiment an output purchase receipt 1602 caninclude a decodable indicia 1612 which decodable indicia can be providede.g. by a QR Code decodable indicia. Decodable indicia 1612 can beencoded so that a user computing system e.g. a mobile device 102 isautomatically directed to the establishment website, and further so thatidentification code 1606 is automatically decoded from the encodedindicia and entered into the establishment website on being read by auser computer system, e.g. a mobile device 102.

At block 1022 a user with use of mobile device 102 as shown, or with useof another computer system operated by the user can send input data toestablishment system 106 and establishment system 106 at block 1067 canreceive the input data. In one embodiment, the input data sent at block1022 and received at block 1067 can include the identification code anduser identifying information from a user. For sending of input data atblock 1022 in one embodiment mobile device 102 (or other computer systemof the user) may open a webpage having a form. An exemplary form isshown in FIG. 5. The form 6702 can be a webpage form and can include afirst field 6706 for input of the identification code output at block1066 and a second field 6710 for input of a user ID. The form in oneembodiment can include a survey 6720 regarding a past, e.g. most recenttrip to the establishment operated by the entity operating establishmentsystem 106. Input data sent at block 1022 and received at block 1067 caninclude survey response data.

At block 1067 establishment system 106 can, responsively to thereceiving the input data sent at block 1022, perform associating theidentification code and the user identifying information received withthe input data. Associating the identification code and the useridentifying information can include determining that the identificationcode and the user identifying information are e.g. received in a commonmessage, received in a common form, e.g. form 6702 (FIG. 5) whencompleted, received at similar times, and/or received from a commonsource. In one embodiment, data repository 108 can store a first tablehaving position data including recorded path data associated to mobiledevice identifiers. Data repository 108 can also store a second tablehaving user identifying information e.g. user ID associated to userprofile data. At block 1067 for performing the associating establishmentsystem 106 can index the first and second tables based on the input datasent at block 1022 and received by establishment system 106 at block1067. User profile data can include, e.g., survey response data,preference data and/or purchase history data.

At block 1068 establishment system 106 can perform processing of theposition data e.g. as recorded at block 1064 with user profile data,e.g. survey response data which can be sent at block 1022 and receivedat block 1067.

In one example of processing at block 1068 establishment system 106 canperform processing using position data and user profile data to identifyareas of an establishment e.g. defined by border 120 having features(e.g. store displays, signage, lighting) that enhance a user'sexperience.

At block 1068 according to a first exemplary embodiment establishmentsystem 106 can sort survey scores in order of satisfaction. Taking thehighest N % scores for satisfaction, establishment system 106 can searchrecorded path of repository 108 for a common areas traveled by thoseusers having the highest N % use satisfaction score. Common areastravelled can be identified by establishment system 106 (e.g.independent of any administrator user input) as areas having featuresyielding customer satisfaction. At block 1068 establishment system 106can determine whether the current user is a user having a satisfactionscore at the highest N % and can also determine whether the current uservisited the identified common area traveled.

A block 1068 according to a second exemplary embodiment establishmentsystem 106 can perform processing using position data and user profiledata to provide visual representations of information including positiondata e.g. as recorded at block 1062. An exemplary output user interfacefor display having visualization effects that can be output byestablishment system 106 is shown in FIG. 6. The output user interfacecan be output e.g. to a computing node of establishment system 106 foruse by an administrator user.

Output user interface 6802 for display can include heat map whereinpaths associated to user having different recorded survey responses canbe presented in differentiated graphics. Referring to FIG. 6, paths ofusers with a “YES” response to the survey question “DID YOU LIKE THESHOE DEPARTMENT” can be presented with a circle shaped dot pattern 6810to indicate the user path, and paths of users with a “NO” response tothe survey question “DID YOU LIKE THE SHOE DEPARTMENT” can be presentedwith a differentiated pattern e.g. a square shaped dot pattern 6812 asshown in FIG. 6. In one embodiment, processing at block 1068 can befurther in response to administrator unit input data, e.g. as may beinput into establishment system 106 using a user interface 6802 as shownin FIG. 6. For example, in one embodiment based on the output userinterface 6802 for display presented, a user administrator can determinethat the area indicated by map area 6840 is an area that should bevisited to increase user satisfaction within a shoe department. Topermit designation of such an area output user interface 6802 caninclude tool 6830 that allows an administrator user to designate maparea 6840. An administrator user using tool 6830 to select a location ofinterest can be an e.g. an administrator user using a displayed userinterface of establishment system 106 that is at the establishmenthaving region defined by border 120 or can be an administrator at anexternal location external from an establishment having region definedby border 120. For example an administrator user can be located at acorporate headquarters of an organizational entity that providesestablishment system 106.

At block 1069 establishment system 106 can send a message to a user,e.g. to mobile device 102 based on a result of the processing at block1068. For example, in accordance with the first exemplary embodimentherinabove, on determining that the current user is not a user having atop N % user satisfaction score and that a current user has nottravelled the identified common area, establishment system 106 at block1069 can send to a user e.g. to mobile device 102 or another computersystem of the user a promotional message encouraging the user to visitthe common area traveled. In accordance with the second exemplaryembodiment hereinabove, establishment system 106 at block 1068 based onprocessing of path data and user profile data and an administratoruser's indication of map area 6840 as an area that should be visited,establishment system 106 at block 1069 can send to a user, e.g. tomobile device 102 or another computer system of the user a promotionalmessage encouraging the user to visit the area indicated by map area6840.

Certain embodiments herein may offer various technical computingadvantages, including providing for associating of paths for mobiledevices and users for such mobile devices. By way of particulararrangements of features e.g. one or more of connection node signalprocessing for determining position data for mobile devices, recordingof position data, monitoring location data for mobile devices,outputting an identification code, associating a received identificationcode and user identifying information, processing position data and userprofile data, and message sending various advantages can be provided.Processing for determining position data can include geolocatingprocessing including e.g. one or more of received signal strength (RSSI)based processing, fingerprint based processing, angle of arrivalprocessing, triangulation based processing, and time of flight basedprocessing. Monitoring location data for mobile devices can includemonitoring for mobile devices at a checkout location which can be afixed checkout location or position varying checkout location.Advantages provided with combinations herein can include e.g. satisfyingneeds of users with improved efficiency and accuracy by output ofmessages to users based on processing of path data for mobile devicesand user profile data of users of such mobile devices.

FIGS. 7-9 depict various aspects of computing, including a computersystem and cloud computing, in accordance with one or more aspects setforth herein.

It is understood in advance that although this disclosure includes adetailed description on cloud computing, implementation of the teachingsrecited herein are not limited to a cloud computing environment. Rather,embodiments of the present invention are capable of being implemented inconjunction with any other type of computing environment now known orlater developed.

Cloud computing is a model of service delivery for enabling convenient,on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computingresources (e.g. networks, network bandwidth, servers, processing,memory, storage, applications, virtual machines, and services) that canbe rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort orinteraction with a provider of the service. This cloud model may includeat least five characteristics, at least three service models, and atleast four deployment models.

Characteristics are as follows:

On-demand self-service: a cloud consumer can unilaterally provisioncomputing capabilities, such as server time and network storage, asneeded automatically without requiring human interaction with theservice's provider.

Broad network access: capabilities are available over a network andaccessed through standard mechanisms that promote use by heterogeneousthin or thick client platforms (e.g., mobile phones, laptops, and PDAs).

Resource pooling: the provider's computing resources are pooled to servemultiple consumers using a multi-tenant model, with different physicaland virtual resources dynamically assigned and reassigned according todemand. There is a sense of location independence in that the consumergenerally has no control or knowledge over the exact location of theprovided resources but may be able to specify location at a higher levelof abstraction (e.g., country, state, or datacenter).

Rapid elasticity: capabilities can be rapidly and elasticallyprovisioned, in some cases automatically, to quickly scale out andrapidly released to quickly scale in. To the consumer, the capabilitiesavailable for provisioning often appear to be unlimited and can bepurchased in any quantity at any time.

Measured service: cloud systems automatically control and optimizeresource use by leveraging a metering capability at some level ofabstraction appropriate to the type of service (e.g., storage,processing, bandwidth, and active user accounts). Resource usage can bemonitored, controlled, and reported providing transparency for both theprovider and consumer of the utilized service.

Service Models are as follows:

Software as a Service (SaaS): the capability provided to the consumer isto use the provider's applications running on a cloud infrastructure.The applications are accessible from various client devices through athin client interface such as a web browser (e.g., web-based e-mail).The consumer does not manage or control the underlying cloudinfrastructure including network, servers, operating systems, storage,or even individual application capabilities, with the possible exceptionof limited user-specific application configuration settings.

Platform as a Service (PaaS): the capability provided to the consumer isto deploy onto the cloud infrastructure consumer-created or acquiredapplications created using programming languages and tools supported bythe provider. The consumer does not manage or control the underlyingcloud infrastructure including networks, servers, operating systems, orstorage, but has control over the deployed applications and possiblyapplication hosting environment configurations.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): the capability provided to theconsumer is to provision processing, storage, networks, and otherfundamental computing resources where the consumer is able to deploy andrun arbitrary software, which can include operating systems andapplications. The consumer does not manage or control the underlyingcloud infrastructure but has control over operating systems, storage,deployed applications, and possibly limited control of select networkingcomponents (e.g., host firewalls).

Deployment Models are as follows:

Private cloud: the cloud infrastructure is operated solely for anorganization. It may be managed by the organization or a third party andmay exist on-premises or off-premises.

Community cloud: the cloud infrastructure is shared by severalorganizations and supports a specific community that has shared concerns(e.g., mission, security requirements, policy, and complianceconsiderations). It may be managed by the organizations or a third partyand may exist on-premises or off-premises.

Public cloud: the cloud infrastructure is made available to the generalpublic or a large industry group and is owned by an organization sellingcloud services.

Hybrid cloud: the cloud infrastructure is a composition of two or moreclouds (private, community, or public) that remain unique entities butare bound together by standardized or proprietary technology thatenables data and application portability (e.g., cloud bursting forload-balancing between clouds).

A cloud computing environment is service oriented with a focus onstatelessness, low coupling, modularity, and semantic interoperability.At the heart of cloud computing is an infrastructure comprising anetwork of interconnected nodes.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a schematic of an example of a computing nodeis shown. Computing node 10 is only one example of a suitable computingnode and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope ofuse or functionality of embodiments of the invention described herein.Regardless, computing node 10 is capable of being implemented and/orperforming any of the functionality set forth hereinabove. Computingnode 10 can be implemented as a cloud computing node in a cloudcomputing environment, or can be implemented as a computing node in acomputing environment other than a cloud computing environment. Each ofestablishment system 106, connection node 110, connection node 112, cashregister 116 and mobile device 102 as set forth in FIG. 1 can includeone or more computing node 10. Data repository 108 can include one ormore computing node 10 external to or co-located with establishmentsystem 106.

In computing node 10 there is a computer system 12, which is operationalwith numerous other general purpose or special purpose computing systemenvironments or configurations. Examples of well-known computingsystems, environments, and/or configurations that may be suitable foruse with computer system 12 include, but are not limited to, personalcomputer systems, server computer systems, thin clients, thick clients,hand-held or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems,microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmable consumerelectronics, network PCs, minicomputer systems, mainframe computersystems, and distributed cloud computing environments that include anyof the above systems or devices, and the like. Mobile device 102 can beprovided e.g. by a smartphone, a tablet, or a laptop computer.

Computer system 12 may be described in the general context of computersystem-executable instructions, such as program processes, beingexecuted by a computer system. Generally, program processes may includeroutines, programs, objects, components, logic, data structures, and soon that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract datatypes. Computer system 12 may be practiced in distributed cloudcomputing environments where tasks are performed by remote processingdevices that are linked through a communications network. In adistributed cloud computing environment, program processes may belocated in both local and remote computer system storage media includingmemory storage devices.

As shown in FIG. 7, computer system 12 in computing node 10 is shown inthe form of a general-purpose computing device. The components ofcomputer system 12 may include, but are not limited to, one or moreprocessor 16, a system memory 28, and a bus 18 that couples varioussystem components including system memory 28 to one or more processor16.

Bus 18 represents one or more of any of several types of bus structures,including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, anaccelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus using any of avariety of bus architectures. By way of example, and not limitation,such architectures include Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus,Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, VideoElectronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and PeripheralComponent Interconnects (PCI) bus.

Computer system 12 typically includes a variety of computer systemreadable media. Such media may be any available media that is accessibleby computer system 12, and it includes both volatile and non-volatilemedia, removable and non-removable media.

System memory 28 can include computer system readable media in the formof volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) 30 and/or cachememory 32. Computer system 12 may further include otherremovable/non-removable, volatile/non-volatile computer system storagemedia. By way of example only, storage system 34 can be provided forreading from and writing to a non-removable, non-volatile magnetic media(not shown and typically called a “hard drive”). Although not shown, amagnetic disk drive for reading from and writing to a removable,non-volatile magnetic disk (e.g., a “floppy disk”), and an optical diskdrive for reading from or writing to a removable, non-volatile opticaldisk such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM or other optical media can be provided.In such instances, each can be connected to bus 18 by one or more datamedia interfaces. As will be further depicted and described below,memory 28 may include at least one program product having a set (e.g.,at least one) of program processes that are configured to carry out thefunctions of embodiments of the invention.

One or more program 40, having a set (at least one) of program processes42, may be stored in memory 28 by way of example, and not limitation, aswell as an operating system, one or more application programs, otherprogram processes, and program data. One or more program 40 includingprogram processes 42 can generally carry out the functions set forthherein e.g. the functions set forth with reference to the flowchart ofFIG. 2 which can be performed by establishment system 106, and thefunctions of establishment system 106, mobile device 102, connectionnodes 110 and 112, and cash register 116 described with reference to theflowchart of FIG. 3.

Computer system 12 may also communicate with one or more externaldevices 14 such as a keyboard, a pointing device, a display 24, etc.;one or more devices that enable a user to interact with computer system12; and/or any devices (e.g., network card, modem, etc.) that enablecomputer system 12 to communicate with one or more other computingdevices. Such communication can occur via Input/Output (I/O) interfaces22. Still yet, computer system 12 can communicate with one or morenetworks such as a local area network (LAN), a general wide area network(WAN), and/or a public network (e.g., the Internet) via network adapter20. As depicted, network adapter 20 communicates with the othercomponents of computer system 12 via bus 18. It should be understoodthat although not shown, other hardware and/or software components couldbe used in conjunction with computer system 12. Examples, include, butare not limited to: microcode, device drivers, redundant processingunits, external disk drive arrays, RAID systems, tape drives, and dataarchival storage systems, etc. In addition to or in place of havingexternal devices 14 and display 24, which can be configured to provideuser interface functionality, computing node 10 in one embodiment caninclude display 25 connected to bus 18. In one embodiment, display 25can be configured as a touch screen display and can be configured toprovide user interface functionality. Computer system 12 in oneembodiment can also include one or more sensor device 27 connected tobus 18. One or more sensor device 27 can alternatively be connectedthrough I/O interface(s) 22. One or more sensor device 27 can include aGlobal Positioning Sensor (GPS) device in one embodiment and can beconfigured to provide a location of computing node 10. In oneembodiment, one or more sensor device 27 can alternatively or inaddition include, e.g., one or more of a camera, a gyroscope, atemperature sensor, a humidity sensor or an audio input device. Computersystem 12 can include one or more network adapter 20. In reference toFIG. 8 below computing node 10 is implemented in a cloud environment andhence is referred to as a cloud computing node in the context of FIG. 8.

Referring now to FIG. 8, illustrative cloud computing environment 50 isdepicted. As shown, cloud computing environment 50 comprises one or morecloud computing nodes 10 with which local computing devices used bycloud consumers, such as, for example, personal digital assistant (PDA)or cellular telephone 54A, desktop computer 54B, laptop computer 54C,and/or automobile computer system 54N may communicate. Nodes 10 maycommunicate with one another. They may be grouped (not shown) physicallyor virtually, in one or more networks, such as Private, Community,Public, or Hybrid clouds as described hereinabove, or a combinationthereof. This allows cloud computing environment 50 to offerinfrastructure, platforms and/or software as services for which a cloudconsumer does not need to maintain resources on a local computingdevice. It is understood that the types of computing devices 54A-N shownin FIG. 8 are intended to be illustrative only and that computing nodes10 and cloud computing environment 50 can communicate with any type ofcomputerized device over any type of network and/or network addressableconnection (e.g., using a web browser).

Referring now to FIG. 9, a set of functional abstraction layers providedby cloud computing environment 50 (FIG. 9) is shown. It should beunderstood in advance that the components, layers, and functions shownin FIG. 9 are intended to be illustrative only and embodiments of theinvention are not limited thereto. As depicted, the following layers andcorresponding functions are provided:

Hardware and software layer 60 includes hardware and softwarecomponents. Examples of hardware components include: mainframes 61; RISC(Reduced Instruction Set Computer) architecture based servers 62;servers 63; blade servers 64; storage devices 65; and networks andnetworking components 66. In some embodiments, software componentsinclude network application server software 67 and database software 68.

Virtualization layer 70 provides an abstraction layer from which thefollowing examples of virtual entities may be provided: virtual servers71; virtual storage 72; virtual networks 73, including virtual privatenetworks; virtual applications and operating systems 74; and virtualclients 75.

In one example, management layer 80 may provide the functions describedbelow. Resource provisioning 81 provides dynamic procurement ofcomputing resources and other resources that are utilized to performtasks within the cloud computing environment. Metering and Pricing 82provide cost tracking as resources are utilized within the cloudcomputing environment, and billing or invoicing for consumption of theseresources. In one example, these resources may comprise applicationsoftware licenses. Security provides identity verification for cloudconsumers and tasks, as well as protection for data and other resources.User portal 83 provides access to the cloud computing environment forconsumers and system administrators. Service level management 84provides cloud computing resource allocation and management such thatrequired service levels are met. Service Level Agreement (SLA) planningand fulfillment 85 provide pre-arrangement for, and procurement of,cloud computing resources for which a future requirement is anticipatedin accordance with an SLA.

Workloads layer 90 provides examples of functionality for which thecloud computing environment may be utilized. Examples of workloads andfunctions which may be provided from this layer include: mapping andnavigation 91; software development and lifecycle management 92; virtualclassroom education delivery 93; data analytics processing 94;transaction processing 95; and processing components 96 for path anduser association as set forth herein e.g. in connection with theflowcharts of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. The processing components 96 can beperformed by one or more program 40 described in FIG. 7.

The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computerprogram product. The computer program product may include a computerreadable storage medium (or media) having computer readable programinstructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of thepresent invention.

The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that canretain and store instructions for use by an instruction executiondevice. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but isnot limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device,an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, asemiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of thecomputer readable storage medium includes the following: a portablecomputer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), aread-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMor Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portablecompact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD),a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such aspunch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructionsrecorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. Acomputer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construedas being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freelypropagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagatingthrough a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulsespassing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmittedthrough a wire.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can bedownloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computerreadable storage medium or to an external computer or external storagedevice via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, awide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprisecopper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wirelesstransmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/oredge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in eachcomputing/processing device receives computer readable programinstructions from the network and forwards the computer readable programinstructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium withinthe respective computing/processing device.

Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations ofthe present invention may be assembler instructions,instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions,machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions,state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in anycombination of one or more programming languages, including an objectoriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, andconventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C”programming language or similar programming languages. The computerreadable program instructions may execute entirely on the user'scomputer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone softwarepackage, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computeror entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario,the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through anytype of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide areanetwork (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer(for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example,programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), orprogrammable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readableprogram instructions by utilizing state information of the computerreadable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry,in order to perform aspects of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer readable program instructions.

These computer readable program instructions may be provided to aprocessor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, orother programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, suchthat the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computeror other programmable data processing apparatus, create means forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructionsmay also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can directa computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or otherdevices to function in a particular manner, such that the computerreadable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises anarticle of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects ofthe function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram blockor blocks.

The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto acomputer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other deviceto cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer,other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computerimplemented process, such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

The flowcharts and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of theorder noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in successionmay, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks maysometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon thefunctionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of theblock diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocksin the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implementedby special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specifiedfunctions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardwareand computer instructions.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, thesingular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the pluralforms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It willbe further understood that the terms “comprise” (and any form ofcomprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form ofhave, such as “has” and “having”), “include” (and any form of include,such as “includes” and “including”), and “contain” (and any form ofcontain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are open-ended linkingverbs. As a result, a method or device that “comprises,” “has,”“includes,” or “contains” one or more steps or elements possesses thoseone or more steps or elements, but is not limited to possessing onlythose one or more steps or elements. Likewise, a step of a method or anelement of a device that “comprises,” “has,” “includes,” or “contains”one or more features possesses those one or more features, but is notlimited to possessing only those one or more features. Forms of the term“based on” herein encompass relationships where an element is partiallybased on as well as relationships where an element is entirely based on.Furthermore, a device or structure that is configured in a certain wayis configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in waysthat are not listed.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements in the claims below, if any, areintended to include any structure, material, or act for performing thefunction in combination with other claimed elements as specificallyclaimed. Where methods, computer program products, or systems aredescribed as having a certain number of elements, the methods, computerprogram products, or systems can be practiced with less than or greaterthan the certain number of elements. The description set forth hereinhas been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but isnot intended to be exhaustive or limited to the form disclosed. Manymodifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art without departing from the scope and spirit of thedisclosure. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to bestexplain the principles of one or more aspects set forth herein and thepractical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the artto understand one or more aspects as described herein for variousembodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particularuse contemplated.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: recording, by one or moreprocessor, position data for a mobile device over time, the positiondata being associated to an identifier of the mobile device; outputting,by the one or more processor, an identification code associated to theidentifier; receiving, by the one or more processor, input data from auser, the input data including the identification code and useridentifying information from a user; responsively to the receiving theinput data from a user associating, by the one or more processor, theidentification code and the user identifying information; based on theassociating processing, by the one or more processor, the position dataand user profile data associated to the user identifying information;and sending, by the one or more processor, a message to the user basedon a result of the processing, wherein the method includes associatingfirst user profile data of the user to the identification code andassociating second user profile data of a second user to a secondidentification code, the second identification code associated to asecond mobile device of a second user, and wherein the method includesmonitoring recently recorded position data for determining that themobile device used by the user and a second mobile device used by thesecond user are currently at a checkout location, wherein the methodincludes sending the identification codes of the first and second mobiledevices to a data repository, wherein the method includes examining dataof a data repository that stores the first user profile data of the userand the second user profile data of the second user, wherein the methodincludes sending information identifying a current purchase transactionitem at the checkout location to the data repository, wherein the methodincludes comparing the current purchase transaction item to the firstuser profile data and the second user profile data, and wherein themethod includes matching data of the current purchase transaction itemto data of the first user profile data, and wherein the outputting theidentification code is responsive to the matching.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the identifier of the mobile device is an identifierselected from the group consisting of a Universally Unique Identifier(UUID) and a short code.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the methodincludes processing signals received at first and second connectionnodes and determining the position data based on the processing.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the receiving includes receiving the inputdata into a webpage form.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein thereceiving includes receiving the input data into a webpage form, andwherein the input data includes user survey data.
 6. The method of claim1, wherein the user profile data includes one or more of the followingselected from the group consisting of: survey data, purchase historydata, and preference data.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein theoutputting includes outputting for presentment of the identificationcode on a purchase receipt.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein thereceiving includes receiving the input data from the user, including theidentification code and user identifying information, into a webpageform.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the receiving includes receivingthe input data from the user, including the identification code and useridentifying information from a user into a webpage form, the webpageform having a field for input by the user of the identification code anda field for input by the user a user ID, the user ID providing the useridentifying information.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the methodincludes, responsive to a purchase transaction occurring at a cashregister, performing the outputting so that the identification codeassociated to the identifier is an identification code for a mobiledevice determined by monitoring of received location data to be at alocation of a cash register.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein theoutputting includes initiating providing a token to the user forhandling by the user, the token including thereon in user visible formthe identification code.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein thereceiving includes receiving the input data from the user, including theidentification code and user identifying information from a user into awebpage form, the webpage form having a field for input by the user ofthe identification code and a field for input by the user a user ID, theuser ID providing the user identifying information, wherein the methodincludes, responsive to a purchase transaction occurring at a cashregister, performing the outputting so that the identification codeassociated to the identifier is an identification code for a mobiledevice determined by monitoring of received location data to be at alocation of a cash register, and wherein the outputting includesinitiating providing of a printed token to the user for handling by theuser, the printed token including thereon in user visible form theidentification code.
 13. A computer program product comprising: acomputer readable storage medium readable by one or more processing unitand storing instructions for execution by one or more processor forperforming a method comprising: recording position data for a mobiledevice over time, the position data being associated to an identifier ofthe mobile device; outputting an identification code associated to theidentifier; receiving input data from a user, the input data includingthe identification code and user identifying information from a user;responsively to the receiving the input data from a user associating theidentification code and the user identifying information; based on theassociating processing the position data and user profile dataassociated to the user identifying information; and sending a message tothe user based on a result of the processing, wherein the methodincludes associating first user profile data of the user to theidentification code and associating second user profile data of a seconduser to a second identification code, the second identification codeassociated to a second mobile device of a second user, and wherein themethod includes monitoring recently recorded position data fordetermining that the mobile device used by the user and a second mobiledevice used by the second user are currently at a checkout location,wherein the method includes sending the identification codes of thefirst and second mobile devices to a data repository, wherein the methodincludes examining data of a data repository that stores the first userprofile data of the user and the second user profile data of the seconduser, wherein the method includes sending information identifying acurrent purchase transaction item at the checkout location to the datarepository, wherein the method includes comparing the current purchasetransaction item to the first user profile data and the second userprofile data, and wherein the method includes matching data of thecurrent purchase transaction item to data of the first user profiledata, and wherein the outputting the identification code is responsiveto the matching.
 14. The computer program product of claim 13, whereinthe receiving includes receiving the input data into a webpage form, andwherein the input data includes user survey data.
 15. The computerprogram product of claim 13, wherein the user profile data includes oneor more of the following selected from the group consisting of: surveydata, purchase history data, and preference data.
 16. The computerprogram product of claim 13, wherein the method includes monitoringrecently recorded position data for determining that the mobile deviceis currently at a checkout location, and wherein the outputting isperformed responsively to the monitoring.
 17. The computer programproduct of claim 13, wherein the outputting includes outputting forpresentment of the identification code on a purchase receipt.
 18. Asystem comprising: a memory; at least one processor in communicationwith memory; and program instructions executable by one or moreprocessor via the memory to perform a method comprising: recordingposition data for a mobile device over time, the position data beingassociated to an identifier of the mobile device; outputting anidentification code associated to the identifier; receiving input datafrom a user, the input data including the identification code and useridentifying information from a user; responsively to the receiving theinput data from a user associating the identification code and the useridentifying information; based on the associating processing theposition data and user profile data associated to the user identifyinginformation; and sending a message to the user based on a result of theprocessing, wherein the method includes associating first user profiledata of the user to the identification code and associating second userprofile data of a second user to a second identification code, thesecond identification code associated to a second mobile device of asecond user, and wherein the method includes monitoring recentlyrecorded position data for determining that the mobile device used bythe user and a second mobile device used by the second user arecurrently at a checkout location, wherein the method includes sendingthe identification codes of the first and second mobile devices to adata repository, wherein the method includes examining data of a datarepository that stores the first user profile data of the user and thesecond user profile data of the second user, wherein the method includessending information identifying a current purchase transaction item atthe checkout location to the data repository, wherein the methodincludes comparing the current purchase transaction item to the firstuser profile data and the second user profile data, and wherein themethod includes matching data of the current purchase transaction itemto data of the first user profile data, and wherein the outputting theidentification code is responsive to the matching.